HS Codes for Machinery & Industrial Parts

What HS code for industrial machinery?

There is no single HS code for 'industrial machinery' — the correct code depends on the machine's function. Chapter 84 covers most mechanical machinery (pumps, compressors, machine tools, agricultural machinery). Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery (generators, motors, transformers). Use the WCO Harmonized System explanatory notes or the EU TARIC database to find the specific 6-digit code for your machine type.

What is the HS code for auto parts?

Auto parts span several HS headings: 8708 (parts and accessories for motor vehicles of headings 8701–8705) is the primary chapter. Sub-headings: 8708.29 (body parts), 8708.40 (gearboxes), 8708.50 (drive axles), 8708.70 (road wheels), 8708.91 (radiators), 8708.99 (other parts). EU duty: 3.7–6.5% for most auto parts from non-EU countries.

What Section 301 tariffs apply to Chinese machinery?

Chinese-origin machinery faces additional Section 301 tariffs on top of standard US HTS rates. List 1 (84 and 85 chapter): 25% additional. List 3 machinery: 25% additional. List 4A machinery: 7.5% additional. Combined with standard duties of 0–3.5%, Chinese machinery may attract total duties of 7.5–28.5% upon US import. Check the USTR's 301 tariff exclusions list for any current exclusions for your product.

Does CE marking affect customs clearance?

CE marking is not a customs requirement for import — goods can pass through customs without it. However, CE marking IS required for placing machinery on the EU market (sale, installation, commissioning). EU market surveillance authorities can seize machinery being sold without CE marking. For commercial imports of industrial equipment into the EU, ensure CE compliance before delivery to the customer, even if it's not checked at the customs point.

What is a dual-use good and how do I know if my machinery is one?

Dual-use goods are products and technology with both civilian and potential military applications. The EU list is in Annex I of Regulation 2021/821 — categories include electronics, computers, sensors, lasers, navigational equipment, aerospace, and certain machine tools. If your machinery appears in Annex I, you need an EU export licence before shipping to many non-EU destinations. Your freight forwarder can check classification or you can screen products at the EU Dual-Use Export Control portal.

Can I import used machinery into the EU?

Yes — used and refurbished machinery can be imported into the EU. The standard HS code and duty rate applies (same as new machinery). Declare as 'used machinery' on the commercial invoice with a realistic second-hand market value. Note that used machinery must still comply with all applicable EU safety directives (Machinery Directive, ATEX, etc.) before being placed into service within the EU. Some machine categories (particularly pressure vessels and lifting equipment) require inspection certificates from recognised bodies.

How do I find the correct HS code for industrial machinery using official tools?

Use the EU TARIC database (ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric) and browse Chapters 84–85. Chapter 84 covers mechanical machinery classified by function (pumps, compressors, machine tools, agricultural machinery, printing presses). Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery (generators, motors, transformers, electrical instruments). When a machine performs both mechanical and electrical functions, the primary function determines the chapter. The WCO Explanatory Notes to the Harmonised System provide detailed classification guidance. For high-value capital equipment where duty amounts are significant, request a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling for legal certainty.

What happens if industrial machinery is declared with the wrong HS code?

Machinery misclassification consequences depend on the duty gap involved. EU duty errors of 1–2% on high-value capital equipment accumulate to significant sums over multiple shipments and trigger post-clearance demands. For USA imports, Chinese machinery misclassified to avoid 25% Section 301 tariffs constitutes customs fraud — US CBP actively examines Chinese machinery declarations against technical documentation. EU customs regularly conducts technical verification of machinery declarations. Always obtain the manufacturer's HS code recommendation and verify it against the official tariff schedule before declaring.

How does country of origin affect import duty on machinery?

Country of origin determines both duty rate and Section 301 or anti-dumping exposure. EU-origin machinery entering the UK under TCA attracts 0% UK duty. Japanese machinery entering the EU attracts 0% under EU-Japan EPA. South Korean machinery attracts 0% under EU-Korea FTA. Chinese machinery entering the USA faces 7.5–25% Section 301 on top of standard 0–3.5% HTS rates. For machinery with complex global supply chains — assembled in one country from components sourced worldwide — a 'substantial transformation' origin analysis is required. Machinery assembled in Vietnam from Chinese parts may still be considered Chinese-origin for Section 301 purposes if assembly was simple.

Are there EU anti-dumping duties on machinery from China?

Yes — the EU maintains anti-dumping duties on several Chinese machinery and equipment categories. Examples include certain glass fibre products and related equipment, electric bicycles and some specialised industrial equipment. For industrial machinery specifically, check TARIC for 'ADD' measures applicable to your specific HS code heading with China as origin before importing. Anti-dumping duties in machinery can be 10–70% or more on top of standard MFN rates. The EU Commission regularly initiates new investigations — verify in TARIC before importing and seek a binding duty ruling if substantial commercial value is at stake.

How does the EU-UK TCA affect machinery and industrial parts trade?

Under EU-UK TCA, EU-manufactured machinery qualifying as EU-origin enters the UK at 0% duty. The UK already applies 0% on most industrial machinery under its Global Tariff, so TCA origin mostly confirms compliance rather than delivering additional duty benefit. For automotive machinery and components (heading 8708), TCA Rules of Origin require 40–45% regional EU/UK content — relevant for Portuguese auto parts manufacturers. Post-Brexit UK machinery importers face UKCA marking requirements (replacing CE marking from 2025 for some categories) as a separate issue from tariff rates — CE remains accepted in the UK under transitional provisions.

Is CE marking required for machinery entering the EU?

CE marking is not a customs clearance requirement — machinery can physically enter the EU without it at the border. However, CE marking IS mandatory for placing machinery on the EU market (selling, installing, commissioning) under the EU Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC), being replaced by the Machinery Regulation (EU 2023/1230) from January 2027. EU market surveillance authorities can intercept non-CE marked machinery being sold or installed. For commercial imports of industrial equipment into the EU, ensure CE compliance documentation (Declaration of Conformity, Technical File, CE label) is in place before delivery to the customer, even if not physically checked at customs.

What is the difference between 6-digit, 8-digit and 10-digit HS codes for machinery?

The 6-digit HS code (e.g., 8413.11 for fuel dispensing pumps) is the international standard. EU CN8 extends to 8 digits (e.g., 8413.11.00) for duty assessment. TARIC 10-digit adds EU-specific measures such as anti-dumping duties, tariff suspensions or quotas. The USA HTS 10-digit codes differ from TARIC sub-categorisations. For Section 301 purposes, the US USTR lists products by HTS 8-digit or 10-digit codes — the specific sub-heading determines whether Section 301 applies to your product. Always use the full 10-digit TARIC (EU) or HTS (USA) code on customs declarations to ensure correct duty and measure assessment.

What is Binding Tariff Information (BTI) for machinery and when should I request one?

BTI is a legally binding 3-year classification ruling from EU customs authorities. For machinery, BTI is valuable when: a machine performs multiple functions spanning two chapters (e.g., a device that both processes data and performs a mechanical function); new technology products have no established HS heading; high-value capital equipment has a large duty gap between possible classifications; or dual-use machinery may require export licensing under a specific classification. Apply through Portugal's AT (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira). A BTI provides supply chain cost certainty by protecting the importer from retrospective reclassification disputes for 3 years.

Can I claim preferential duty on EU-origin machinery exported to countries with EU trade agreements?

Yes — EU-manufactured machinery with qualifying EU origin can benefit from 0% or reduced duty in over 70 countries that have trade agreements with the EU. Key partners for machinery exports: UK (TCA — 0% for EU-origin machinery), Canada (CETA — 0% for most machinery), South Korea (EU-Korea FTA — 0%), Japan (EU-Japan EPA — 0%), Vietnam (EVFTA — 0%). To claim preferential rates, provide a EUR.1 movement certificate for larger shipments or a supplier declaration for invoices under €6,000 (or if REX registered). Incorrect preferential origin declarations constitute customs fraud, so verify EU content qualifies before issuing origin declarations.